| FEATURED RUNNER OF THE MONTH: April 2012 |
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| "I'm not fast, but I have a big mouth." |
In the beginning it was to prove a point to myself. I could travel the distance unscathed and get that medal. It was also a way to take a break from life and unplug from the world. Over the past 3 years I’ve done 8 marathons, a 50 mile ultra, and a bunch of half marathons, I started to get bored. I’ve changed why I run into running for others. My goal is to get others to become aware that they can change what they perceive to be their own limitations. I’m not fast, but I have a big mouth. So I’m putting that combo to use to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Running for others fuels me to keep pushing forward and find my boundary. Once I find that boundary, I plan on crushing through it.
How long have you been running? How did you get started? Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started in 2007 after a friend wore his half marathon medal to work one Monday. The idea of running 13.1 miles intrigued me so I set out and did it that fall. From there, I just keep pushing the distance until I find one I can’t complete. I chose running over other activities because it’s easy. It’s just one foot in front of the other. You don’t need a ton of skills for that!
How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
Mental games. I don’t have much time in my schedule, so it’s generally an early morning run for me. Many times I’ll trick my mind by focusing on what I’m going to eat when I wake up, coffee already brewed, or meeting a friend. There’s so much more mental training when it comes to running.
Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
No coach, but I am an avid reader of books and social media. Always listening for what works for others and exchanging ideas. I am my own guinea pig. There have been days when that has bit me in the butt, but I still consider any run good if I learned something from it.
How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
With a wife, 4 kids, and full time job, it gets tricky. I look at my schedule and figure out when I can add running to my schedule. I like tv and movies, so the treadmill in my basement gets a lot of use.
Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy?
They certainly think I’m crazy with the goals I put out there, but support me in that “don’t die” kind of way. For me, I don’t care how crazy people think I am. If I can get at least one person to change their perceived limits, then it’s all worth it.
What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)?
I spend a ridiculous amount of time on the treadmill with the mental training which makes running on a trail even more enjoyable. Lately, I’ve been running into (almost literally) wildlife along the trail runs. There’s something amazing about running through the woods and connecting with nature.
Depends on how you define hard. Every race at some point has a “hard” point that I’ve come to expect. In fact, I’ve come to look forward to those hard parts to see how fast I can kick through it. Most challenging of races was my first half marathon. A combination of lack of training and 37 degrees with rain contributed to that.
What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
I would say my first marathon: 2009 Colorado Marathon. It was by no means the most enjoyable physically as I was sick the 3 days leading up to it, right knee swelled up at mile 17, and IT Band sang me the blues. It was the fact that I was doing something different. I was out with others that weren’t happy with just sitting on the couch. The course was beautiful as the first 8 miles takes you down a canyon alongside a stream with the sun rising. It was just nice to be there. My first ultramarathon (Silver Rush 50 in Leadville, CO) would be right up there as well from a community and challenge experience.
Nothing serious. When I feel like something’s out of place, I go for a run. In essence, I tell my body to suck it up and adapt. So far it has!
Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
I mix it up. If I’m running outside, I’ll go no music. Pretty much always have my phone with me though which I use RunKeeper to track my runs.
How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs? Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?
I have a Go Sport ID and on it I engraved: Redefine Everything & Move Forward. That’s my mantra in running, work, and life. Sometimes life (and running) throws unexpected situations at you. All you can do is control how you react.
A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
Been fortunate to either be near a bathroom at a race or running a trail. When running through mother nature’s land, do what she would do!
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
Just start moving. When you start, don’t focus on distance or speed. Go out for a walk on your lunch break, take the stairs, or join a group. Running is a welcoming community open to helping each other.
What is your next big race?
Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run. As part of my journey to this race I have a goal of raising $10,000 for the American Cancer Society.
To enjoy it and get others addicted.
What is your ultimate running goal?
Dream running goal? That would be to run the 4 Desert Race series. Told you I was crazy
Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
Blog: ThoughtsOnTheRun.com
Twitter: AeRoss
Well written! And all that training with 4 kids?! Guess I have to stop using my one as an excuse:)
ReplyDeleteWow. You totally inspire me that it's possible to train for the ultras I hope to do down the road =) Best of luck with training for the Leadville 100!!! Looking forward to following your progress!
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